Here’s a list of easy second jobs that can work with your lifestyle and without maxing your patience.
A second stream of cash is a sweet boost to help you get closer to your savings goals. But with the nine to five grind already mentally taxing, it can be difficult to find the motivation to dig into even more work after hours. Don’t worry, here are some options:
Dog walker
This one’s for the pet lovers out there – how would you like to earn up to $22 an hour just by spending time with someone else’s pooch? Dog walking is an easy way to earn extra coin in your spare time. Walk them when and where it suits you – all you need is a big enough vehicle to transport them from A to B. Sell your service with flyers in your local area or apartment building, or register as a walker with one of the many dog walking apps that find customers for you. You never know, it could snowball into a full-time gig!
Best bit: you’ll also get closer to hitting your 10–12k steps for the day.
Just remember: starting your own dog walking business will require public liability insurance in case something happens to the dog, or the dog causes damage to public property. Also remember to check your local council laws for the number of dogs you can legally walk and in what areas.
Transcriber
If you’re a good listener and an accurate typist, give transcribing some thought. From journalists to corporates, many people need the content of an audio file placed into a word doc – either because they don’t have the time or because they hate the job (we’ve all baulked at the sound of our own voice before).
Transcribing an hour and a half interview can secure you about $200. A good place to start is a quick search of Airtasker or LinkedIn.
Best bit: you can transcribe from anywhere your laptop can go.
Just remember: Accuracy is key to ongoing work. So double-check everything!
Nanny work
Trust-worthy and caring babysitters are always in high demand, particularly for after-hours work. The easiest way to apply for babysitting roles is through websites such as Find a Babysitter – parents post the frequency, type and duration of care they need for their little one, and describe their ideal candidate; you then apply for a role that suits you and negotiate a pay rate.
The best bit: many websites allow you to search for jobs in your postcode, so you don’t have to venture far from home.
Just remember: most formal babysitting websites require a Working with Children Check, so make sure yours is up-to-date.
Postman/postwoman duties
The internet may have automated many marketing duties, but letterbox drops are still a thing in 2019. Newspaper and pamphlet distribution companies are widespread, particularly in metro areas, and are often on the look out for enthusiastic walkers to drop off their clients’ goods.
Simply register your interest with a website or reach out to a distribution company and let them know when (and in what areas) you can work.
The best bit: payment is usually based on the number of pamphlets you manage to distribute. So the more ground you can cover, the more you can get paid.
Just remember: some companies require you to distribute on certain days, so it may not always fit with your schedule.
House packer
With professional removalists costing a pretty penny, families are now looking to the average person to lend a hand when moving house. Paying anywhere from $100–$400 depending on the number of items to be packed and shuttled to a truck, this job simply requires arriving on time and helping out with the fiddly tasks. Again, check out Airtasker for a job that suits you.
The best bit: it could lead to additional work, including flat pack creation and removal of cardboard boxes.
Just remember: be careful of your back – make sure there is a trolley available to help with any bigger items.
Earning extra coin to reach your savings goals doesn’t have to be time consuming or difficult. You just need to be willing and able to put in the grunt work.
Have you had success taking on a second job? Feel free to share your experience in the comments section.
